-Raw is LIVE from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and your hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, who will join JR later, after his match that is scheduled for tonight.

-Leading things off is Shawn Michaels. No excuses he said- the better man won last night. He’s out to invite Randy Orton down to shake his hand. Orton, on the TitanTron, said no way. He’s sporting a nice bruise from last night’s post-match superkick. HBK admitted he was going to kick Randy if he came out. Orton said HBK is hell-bent on ending his career. He’s not going to dignify HBK’s challenge with a response. He mentioned the torch man from the top of the show- he’s running from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale, and he’s ushering in a new era, a passing of the torch, if you will, to Orton later tonight. Mr. Kennedy came down to the ring. He was face-to-face with Shawn Michaels. As he waited for his mic, HBK took him down and threw him out of the ring. Mr. Kennedy got the best of Michaels and said it was his turn. HBK said he’s ready for a fight. At ringside, Kennedy grabbed a mic and said HBK is most known for losing a ladder match, losing to Cena at WM and losing his smile. He called Michaels a loser. William Regal came out and made it a match, ordering a referee. The match began just as the adbreak hit.

[Break]

The two were fighting on the ramp out of break and JR informed us that the bell had not yet rung despite Regal’s demands before break, because they haven’t been in the ring yet. At ringside, Kennedy peppered HBK with right hands. Michaels and Kennedy both went over the barricade, then back over to ringside. Kennedy’s head bounced off the announce table and HBK got on the table to pummel him some more. Kennedy shoved HBK back-first into the apron. HBK was pushed in the ring while Kennedy retrieved a steel chair. Kennedy had the chair on the apron and Michaels superkicked the chair into his head, and Kennedy fell off the apron and down to the mats. “Sexy Boy” began to play, and I guess we don’t have a match.

-Coming up tonight, Jeff Hardy faces off against Umaga.

[Break]

-JR thanked everyone for joining them for Survivor Series last night.

(1) Santino Marella vs. Jerry LawlerGod, why again? Good pop for The King. The two competitors do some jaw-jacking to start (mostly Santino). Lawler surprised Santino with a dropkick right off the bat. Marella got the advantage in the corner, but he did a bit too much showboating and Lawler went back on the offensive, until he went shoulder-first into the ring post. Headbutt off the middle rope (what brain injuries?). Then Santino went to ringside and put King’s crown on and got the mic. He said he was going to beat Lawler like a “government dog.” He professed his love for “puppies” and made fun of Lawler until King slapped. Hip-toss by Jerry Stupid Lawler. Blocked hip-toss turned into a back-slide by Lawler for the pin.

Winner: Lawler at 3:41.

-As soon as the match ended, out of nowhere, Randy Orton showed up and RKO’d Lawler. We have an update on the torch runner- he’s running by the arena Orton beat Michaels at. Randy said it was only a matter of time before the official passing of the torch.

-Still to come, Umaga, one-on-one with Jeff Hardy.

[Break]

-Todd Grisham interviewed Mr. Kennedy backstage. I didn’t see the segment, so I can’t really comment on it- from what I read, a good interview though.

-Clips aired of the Hornswoggle/Khali “match” from last night.

-Backstage, a pow-wow between Coach, Vince and Regal was taking place. Vince thought it was one of the all-time best Survivor Series, but he wanted to get an independent opinion. Coach and Regal laughed about Hornswoggle. McMahon was not amused. A knock on the door brought Carlito in. Carlito said he could relate to the tough love Vince gave Hornswoggle. Vince questioned Carlito’s toughness, then asked what would happen if he took on a McMahon. Specifically, Hornswoggle. Carlito laughed. Vince made the match. The two figureheads laughed as Carlito left the room, but again, Vince was not finding anything funny.

-Jeff Hardy came out for his match, which is next.

[Break]

(2) Jeff Hardy vs. UmagaA headbutt put Hardy down, but Umaga missed a diving one and both men went to the outside. Back in, Hardy hit a low dropkick that only got a one-count. Sunset flip attempt was no good, but Hardy came off the ropes with a forearm. He went to the well again, but Umaga saw it coming and hit a hard shoulderblock. Back elbow by Umaga caught Hardy coming off the ropes. A nerve hold was applied by Umaga. Crowd stayed behind Hardy despite the long rest-hold. Umaga missed a corner charge and Hardy DDT’d the Samoan beast. Hardy was on his way to the top rope until Umaga knocked him down and out of the ring.

[Break]

Back live and back to the nerve hold. Jeff tried to slam Umaga- he got him up, but Umaga fell on top for a two-count. After another nerve hold, a back-body drop followed. It appears that Umaga is toying with Hardy now. Hard kicks to the sternum, and a roundhouse kick put Hardy down, but for only two. Hardy finally stopped Umaga and went to the top. He got caught in mid-air but Umaga, who did the swinging Rock Bottom again. But again, Jeff kicked out. Nerve hold for the fourth time, but the crowd isn’t out of it. To the middle rope, Umaga came down and missed a splash. Jeff couldn’t capitalize though, until Umaga missed a butt splash in the corner. Jeff is on the offensive- Twist of Fate was shrugged off and Jeff dodged a charge. Back to the top, Swanton is missed. Samoan drop by Umaga. Samoan spike missed, Twist of Fate by Jeff hit, but Umaga rolled out of the ring. Hardy catapulted himself over the top and onto Umaga on the outside. As Jeff waited for Umaga to get back in the ring, Snitsky attacked out of nowhere. He beat on Hardy and Umaga came back in for a 2-on-1.

Winner: Hardy by DQ at 17:29.

-As Hardy was tossed to the outside, Triple H’s music hit. He took out Snitsky and Umaga. As for the match, it was pretty damn entertaining, and I generally didn’t have a problem with the nerve holds, though they could’ve cut out one or two.

-Trips and Hardy were face-to-face backstage. Todd Grisham walked up to Triple H, asking him why he went to help out Jeff. Triple H said he was the Good Samaritan of WWE, but he didn’t think Todd was buying it. He’s here to tell the Umagas and Snitskys of the world who the real bad-ass is. Triple H made fun of Grish, implying he went home with a transvestite last night.

(3) Hardcore Holly vs. Cody RhodesCody made a clean break but turned his back in the process, something you don’t do to Holly, as Hardcore chopped him. Cody came back with a flying clothesline and pin attempt. Holly slammed Rhodes twice, then choked him in the ropes. This is the only thing the crowd hasn’t been into all night. More chops in the corner from Holly. Rhodes fought back and hit a side Russian leg sweep for two. High dropkick by Holly and Alabama Slam...but it was reversed into a roll-up. Holly rolled out but Rhodes hit the DDT for the win.

Winner: Rhodes at 2:49.

-Right after the match, Orton came down and RKO’d Rhodes and Holly. Orton had another update on the status of his torch-runner. He was just entering Ft. Lauderdale. He said it’s only a matter of time before he gets the respect he deserves. Hilariously, Lawler wished that the torch runner would light Orton on fire when he got to the arena. That’s a bit extreme.

[Break]

-A look at Orton laying out Rhodes and Holly.

-JR introduced a tribute video to Randy Orton.

-Mr. McMahon was pacing backstage when he (almost) ran into Finlay. McMahon did his Finlay imitation. Vince tried to say he was just as Irish as Finlay, but Fit took exception to that. Vince said all that matters is that they go have a drink after the show. Finlay said he’d get McMahon some hot milk. Vince took exception and Finlay said he was just kidding. Vince forced some laughs.

-Tonight, Carlito faces Hornswoggle in a no-DQ match.

-Mickie James and Maria were walking backstage, as their tag team match is next.

[Break]

-A video showing Ric Flair at various stages of his career aired. He returns to Raw LIVE next Monday night.

-JR and King congratulated Linda McMahon for winning an award.

(4) Jillian and Melina vs. Maria and Mickie JamesMelina hit her split tonight- no reference to her whiffing on it last night. Melina got the mic, but Jillian took it away- she said they came out to Melina’s music, so SHE gets to talk first. Jillian pointed out Jon Secada in the front row. The crowd was not receptive toward him. Apparently, he’s here supporting Lillian Garcia, who he did a duet with on her album. She said no one in Florida understands Mexican talk. Jillian started singing/chanting/doing something that I couldn’t quite understand. Crowd started chanting “you suck” at Jillian. “Was all that necessary?” asked JR. No, it was not.

Melina and Maria started things off once the match began. Maria did a nice flip with the ropes to get out of an arm-bar. Bronco buster by Maria. Melina tripped Maria and then kicked away at her. Tag in to Jillian, who tried to hit a 450 splash on Maria, but she pulled Melina into harm’s way. Mickie tagged in and hit a hurricanrana. Neckbreaker followed that up for a two count. Jillian hit a reverse elbow and Melina was still down. All of a sudden she got back up and tried to double-team Mickie, but Maria tripped her up. Jillian thought she had Mickie where she wanted her but turned around and ran right into a kick to the gut, the Long Kiss Goodnight, then a reverse spin kick for the win.

Winners: Maria and Mickie at 2:51. It’s clear they’re building Mickie up as a challenger to Beth.

[Break]

(5) Hornswoggle vs. Carlito, No-DQ MatchCarlito was all smiles on his way to the ring. Carlito toyed with Hornswoggle early on, then tried a test of strength. Of course, he was too tall, so Carlito got down on both knees. Horny bit Carlito’s butt, then ran around the ring, using the ref as a pick, and took JR’s cowboy hat. Carlito gave chase until Hornswoggle went under the ring. Carlito quietly walked across the ring to the other side hoping to snag Hornswoggle. But Horny was on the other side with a bucket of water. When Carlito came back from under the ring, Hornswoggle poured the bucket on him. A crossbody by Hornswoggle didn’t have the desired effect, as Carlito threw Horny back in the ring. Back to ringside, Carlito got an apple. As he was about to spit, Finlay came out. Carlito spit on him, then Finlay gave him a hard clothesline and tossed Hornswoggle on top for the win.

Winner: Hornswoggle at 4:06. After the match, Hornswoggle took a bite of the apple and spit on Carlito.

-The runner was right outside the arena- the passing of the torch is next.

-Randy Orton came out for his torch ceremony. He said he has destroyed everyone in his path. He has beaten all that there is to beat. Famous last words. He said it was time for the torch to be passed to him. The runner was still outside the arena, and he began to run in. The runner, once he got into the arena, ran into a clothesline. His back was to the camera, but it was evident it was Chris Jericho. A final Save_Us video aired on the TitanTron, asking, “Did you break the code?” The clocked counted down from 10 and fireworks hit as well as Jericho’s old music. As soon as Jericho turned around, the camera went to Orton in a bad spot. They went back to the ramp with Jericho already turned around. He had a different look, in addition to the haircut, had black pants with chains hanging from them. Jericho soaked in his standing ovation. He welcomed the fans to Raw Is Jericho. He called it the second coming of Y2J. He said from this day forward, it is 100% Jericho. Orton said last time he saw Jericho, he was being fired on Raw. He wanted to know what Jericho was saving us from- Orton’s boring personality for one, Jericho said. He went on to insult the champ quite well. Jericho said he was here to save us from Orton. He said he was going to take the belt from Orton at the first opportunity. He said the world would never be the same again. Great energy from Jericho- he was basking in all the glory. He’s got the look and personality to be a movie star, maybe not on The Rock’s level, but something. Y2J soaked in the cheers as Raw went off the air.

I look forward to The Adventures of Jeff & Trips Hardy. Let's see if H can do what Taker really didn't quite accomplish?

Thanks to the staff for finally remembering the Finlay/Hornswoggle connection, although I really can do without yet another "Vince is pissed off at someone" program.

I didn't quite see an immediate Jericho main event program, but no complaints. Although it appeared to be a foregone conclusion, the director did a pretty good job of hiding the signs. Not sure if they were using a mixing technique to hold down any chants, or if the live crowd was just below par. Same held for last night's audience not doing the broadcast any favors.

Good lord, was that disappointing. I haven't been as hype for a wrestling angle in a good while, but Jericho's return was something I was leaning on to bring me back into the mix. Now I realize, the Weee can just about screw everything up these days.

In addition to Jericho's fruity new look, the whole segment was just a let-down in my view. The set-up, the announcing, the milking of the crowd was just all very "ehh" to me.

Wow! That was quite a return, it really lived up to the hype in my opinion. It does seem odd that he would be in a main event program for the belt as soon as he returns, but maybe they are determined to give him the star treatment. Then again, when he debuted in 1999, he only cut a promo on the Rock, he didn't actually begin a feud with him. Either way, he definitely has the look of a star.

Speaking of stars, the star of Raw, HHH, nearly ruined the Hardy-Umaga match for me. That match really had my attention, up until the retarded Snitsky run in. Then Jeff proves he can't handle Umaga and Snitsky by himself, but HHH comes down and has no problem whatsoever. Then he sends Jeff on his merry way in the back and cuts a promo to remind everyone he is a badass. Unless this leads Jeff beating HHH somewhere down the road (it won't), I don't see how this is helping Jeff at all.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Originally posted by kentishSpeaking of stars, the star of Raw, HHH, nearly ruined the Hardy-Umaga match for me. That match really had my attention, up until the retarded Snitsky run in. Then Jeff proves he can't handle Umaga and Snitsky by himself, but HHH comes down and has no problem whatsoever. Then he sends Jeff on his merry way in the back and cuts a promo to remind everyone he is a badass. Unless this leads Jeff beating HHH somewhere down the road (it won't), I don't see how this is helping Jeff at all.

That whole thing didn't really bother me... Jeff was on his way to a pretty solid count-out victory over Umaga (which considering it's Umaga is fairly respectable), before Snitsky ran in.

I was psyched for the Jericho return, but the short hair is weird. Also my DVR cut out as he started talking.

Originally posted by JustinShapiroYayayay. The only thing I would change is that chain (since he can't gel his hair like that when he wrestles). I am pumped for Jericho/Orton with no finish at Armageddon in Pittsburgh.

That's my fear. I am ecstatic that Jericho's back. The man entertains like no other save Austin and the Rock. But knowing this company's track record, and who he is facing now, I can't see him beating Orton to get the title. It's a title Jericho deserves but the WWE has never shown the proper faith in him and has shown overwhelming and misguided faith in Orton.

Santino is too good to be losing to Lawler. Of course, I also said that about Tazz but that didn't stop it from happening.

When you have a countdown leading to an obvious conclusion, there should be some kind of secondary surprise in store for the viewer. See tonight's How I Met Your Mother as an example....we knew what the Slap Bet Countdown was leading to, but the song was the icing on the cake. Jericho just came out, ran through his catchphrases and challenged Orton --- surprise surprise. I expected a little more considering the build-up.

The comic highlight of the evening was Jillian using that move where she shoves her opponent into her chest. I've seen her do that before, but I guess tonight was the night where it struck me just how stupid that move actually is. I could not stop laughing. Perhaps it was her triumphant yelling that really put it over the top.

Originally posted by TheOldManNot sure if they were using a mixing technique to hold down any chants, or if the live crowd was just below par. Same held for last night's audience not doing the broadcast any favors.

I was really amazed that there weren't any "Y2K" or "Jericho" chants at any point during the show until Jericho actually appeared.

I was actually thinking about how that might be a problem... specifically maybe they need to can the "Y2J" nickname as some kids watching wrestling right now might never have heard of the Y2K bug, and for everyone else it's still a REALLY dated reference.

Maybe the music was pumped too loud, but I thought the cheers for Jericho started fading very quickly after the 10 second countdown and the everyone cheers pyro moment. Plus, I always prefer Jericho as a conniving heel rather than a suck-up face. Compare this pop for Jericho to what Flair gets next week in Charlotte.Why does Snitsky still have a job, let alone gets a push?Considering the offices will probably be closed at the end of the week, do we get the obligatory 'We wish Carlito well in his future endeavors' line before Thanksgiving?

Originally posted by redsoxnationMaybe the music was pumped too loud, but I thought the cheers for Jericho started fading very quickly after the 10 second countdown and the everyone cheers pyro moment.

That's what I heard too. It would have been more effective if he'd started talking a couple seconds after the video went off. Left too much time for the cheers to die down.

I was surprised by how excited I actually was when the countdown happened and Jericho's music started up. It turns out I really missed that guy. As far as whether or not he's going to wind up getting that WWE championship, I figure Jericho wouldn't have come back unless he was happy with how the company was going to use him. He's got money, he didn't need to come back for that (although I'm sure he's getting paid plenty), and while that doesn't guarantee he came back for a title, if he did I'm pretty sure he's smart enough to have worked that out with the company before signing his contract.

Did Santino really ask JR if he liked "Lobbersnockers"? Surely I must have misheard that.

I was dissappointed with the return of Y2J. Perhaps it's because he didnt ask Orton to "Please, shut the hell up". I dont know, it was great to see him and I look forward to the inevitable Y2J title run, but that was one week promo.

I was actually thinking about how that might be a problem... specifically maybe they need to can the "Y2J" nickname as some kids watching wrestling right now might never have heard of the Y2K bug, and for everyone else it's still a REALLY dated reference.

I hear ya...but it's just too "chantable" to let go. Maybe they could have made "SAVE_US, SAVE_US, SAVE_US" the new chant for him.

Regardless, his promo skills are beyond everyone else on the roster at this point, and Randy "and then there WAS none" Orton was completely out of his league.

And you can't compare Flair in NC to Y2J in Florida, Canada would be the better comparison.

HHH vs. Hardy is inevitable at this point and I love it. When HHH pedigrees him it'll set up their Ladder Match at Mania. I get the feeling HHH is content being on the fringe for now and a Ladder Match against the bump machine on their biggest stage is enough to steal the show if the stars align.

The new feuds are a pleasant surprise, and if/when Orton drops it to Jericho wouldn't HBK vs. Y2J at Mania be an IWC dream?